New Administrators in Chinook Public Schools

Two new Principals have taken different paths to become administrators in the Chinook School. Danelle Gibson, new elementary principal went to high school in Chinook, while the new high school principal, Brian Rayburn's path has covered a great deal of the United States.

Rayburn grew up in Colville, Washington, a small town about twice the size of Chinook. He has two sons, one in college and the other a junior at CHS.

He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from BYU Hawaii. "Some buddies and I were sitting around and said, 'Why don't we take some college classes in Hawaii?' I was the only who got accepted and left my friends at home," Rayburn joked.

From there he got his Master's from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and an Administrative CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Study). Before becoming an administrator, Rayburn taught social studies. "I had a fantastic 10th grade history teacher that inspired me to become a history and social studies teacher," Rayburn said.

He taught for 7 years in Idaho, California, Hawaii and Vermont, before going into administration. He has 18 years in administration as both a principal and a superintendent, starting in Vermont. After that he moved to Lima, Montana, "The last town before you leave Montana on I-15," said Rayburn. He then moved to Florence before returning to Lima, and now finds himself on the Hi-Line in Chinook.

Rayburn said he loves working with the kids and helping them find joy in what they do and assisting bringing it about. In his free time he has a hobby of rebuilding Lund Boats, finding old ones and restoring them to almost new. "I love boats."

In addition to his administrative duties, Rayburn will also be the activities director and the transportation director. He also will have the duties of tech coordinator.

Danelle Gibson is not new to Chinook Schools or to Meadowlark, but is in her first year at the helm as principal. She is married to Hugo Gibson who is a chiropractor in Chinook and Havre and has 3 children, two boys and a girl.

She received her college education from MSU Bozeman, Colorado College, and received her administrative degree through Western Governors University.

Gibson has been in education for 22 total years. "I always wanted to have an impact on the children," said Gibson. She grew up in Harlem before moving to Chinook for high school where she graduated. She taught kindergarten and first grade in Havre and in Colorado Springs before returning to Chinook to teach here. She taught for 4 years at Meadowlark School before becoming the principal. Sewing, gardening, and outdoor activities are the things she enjoys on her time off. Both new principals are looking forward to an exciting, fun and safe school year.